Homeownership is one of the biggest investments most of us will ever make. With homeownership comes the need for repairs and improvements. Home improvement projects increased dramatically in the past couple of years, with Forbes Advisor reporting that Americans spent nearly $420 billion on home improvement projects last year. This year is expected to be no different, with home remodels top of mind for many. Here are the top 7 home improvement trends for 2022.
Home improvement trends for 2022
1 The creation of a beautiful outdoor living and entertaining area
Think of all of the comforts inside your home, but outside. The trend includes elaborate seating areas with tables, couches, rugs, and pergolas for shelter from the hot sun. We’ve also seen a trend toward beautiful outdoor stone fireplaces as a gathering place for family and friends. New and more elaborate outdoor fireplaces and fire pits provide the warmth that enables homeowners to use outdoor spaces well into the night. Outdoor kitchens and built-in grills are also a hot trend this year.
2 Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)
You may be wondering, what in the world is an ADU? Well, ADUs became popular during the pandemic to provide quiet spaces for people to work away from the hustle and bustle of a full house. They can also provide living space for visiting family or friends. ADUs are small, self-contained units that are separate from the main house. They can be built from scratch or made by transforming a garage or another unused building on your property. Today, they are even being used as rentals to help a homeowner get some extra cash.
3 Multifunctional rooms/areas
As we spent much more time in our homes during the pandemic, we saw the need for added space. This included quiet rooms for Zoom meetings, private business calls, and homework. Many dining room tables turned into workspaces and now homeowners are remodeling to provide dedicated workspaces. This may mean remodeling a spare bedroom into a multifunctional room for work or relaxation. For you, it can mean a quiet oasis in your home for reading or even a home gym. You can remodel and personalize a multipurpose space to your individual needs.
4 Added storage space
We all need a little more storage space in our lives. It helps us get organized and keep our homes clutter-free. The current trend is built-in storage that integrates into your existing rooms and gives your home a cleaner look and feel. This includes functional pull-out shelves in cabinets, cubbies, and stylish open shelving. Pantry storage is another hot trend when space allows. A large, functional pantry can also increase the value of a home.
5 An organized mudroom
Mudrooms, like the enhanced storage space we mentioned above, is another trend that is here to stay as everyone is going for a more organized look. They’re a great way to de-clutter your entranceway with space for storing footwear, coats, and other things as people come in the door. Some mudrooms even double as pet areas for dog bowls and toys.
6 A dedicated laundry room
As “The Jeffersons” theme song goes, we’re movin’ on up. Not to a different place, but we’re moving the laundry room up from the basement to a nicer, more convenient space. Whether it’s a large, remodeled room, or just a dedicated space hidden away with a trendy barn door, a remodeled laundry room is one of the top 7 home improvement trends for 2022. For those with room to spare, we’re seeing large, natural light-filled spaces with plenty of storage. Some are even boasting a laundry/mudroom combination. Well-thought-out laundry rooms are just another way to help you get your home more organized.
7 Eye-catching wallpaper
You may have thought that wallpaper was a thing of the past. Well, it’s not. It’s also not that 70’s wallpaper you may remember. New wallpapers are bold, beautiful, and eye-catching. Wallpaper is enabling homeowners to express their individual personalities when accenting any room in their home. According to Angie’s List, 34% of homeowners are planning wallpaper or painting projects this year.
Completing home improvement projects
The top factors motivating homeowners to complete home improvements or remodels include performing repairs, increasing value, and improving aesthetics. Home improvement costs vary according to the particular project, material, and time involved, as well as where you live. Material shortages, supply chain issues, and the retiring of many skilled tradespeople in the U.S. have led to price increases for home improvement projects. Be sure to shop around to find the best prices from skilled contractors in your area. Find a contractor who is experienced in your particular remodel project and can work within your budget and timeline.
Home Equity Loans
A Benchmark FCU home equity loan or HELOC can help you pay for your next home improvement project. With Benchmark, you’ll enjoy completive rates and flexible terms for every borrowing need. If you enjoyed our blog on the top 7 home improvement trends for 2022, check our website for more informative blogs like, “Tips for updating kitchen appliances.”